Chapter three begins with a girl that wishes she could read without the constant interruptions from her teacher to look at the passages that were just read. I remember feeling that way. I was usually the "off-task" student that just read ahead while the class discussed the story. Then, of course, I would be embarrassed when I didn't know where we were. I always chalked it up to my impatience but I guess I really was like Chloe and a bit bored with the constant analysis of the text. I actually read chapter three on the treadmill and got a little "lost" in it. I was amazed to see two miles had passed by so quickly while I read. I closed my book and thought about the chapter as I ran the last mile of my workout. Allowing a time to reflect on what was read is also a good idea for students.
I think reading should be viewed like exercise. When people (especially adolescents) first start, it might be reluctantly but with the addition of a comfortable environment, less interruptions, and getting into a routine, it becomes a task that is welcome. SSR or Silent Sustained Reading seems to come and go in the world of education. Like so many things, we want to put it in the day, then take it out of the day in our constant search for the right combination of teacher centered and student centered activities. Differentiating instruction is important but giving kids a routine that includes quiet one on one time with the book, article, newspaper, or other written material of their choice is one of the MOST important parts of the day. I also think it is effective for the teacher to model good reading habits. A read aloud time for the group and/or a time when the teacher sits reading but in a position where they can glance up from their book to supervise, if necessary shows the students that they care enough to read too.
The Kill-a-Reader Casserole that Gallagher lists on page 73 is fantastic. I'd like to see some recipes for Addicting-a-Reader Casseroles. Perhaps: Take one student-selected piece of literature. Place in a comfortable, calm, cool but well-lit environment. Do not stir. Quietly chill for at least twenty minutes. Signal a time to stop. Allow to sit at room temperature and become incorporated for five minutes. Share your experience amongst peers and you may just find your next "dish" to sample! =)
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I agree that reflection is a good idea for students. We often get so caught up with time constraints that we rarely take time out to reflect. Reflecting is a great idea because it encourages students to think critically. The ability to think about what you just read, leads to comprehension of the text.
ReplyDeleteI agree that reading should be an exercise. I recall my sister, taking my nieces to the library ever summer and enforcing that they select books and do a book report. They may have despised the idea, but until today my nieces still ask to be taken to the library to select books.
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to your comparison of reading with exercise. I see all the associations - and also what helped me as a first time runner was running with someone. Some days it got me to the stage of putting my running shoes on ;-)So manybe in reading, those social elements of reading with someone, or book clubs are so helpful. I also like your much more positive recipe ;-) You are really making Gallagher's ideas your own!
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